France has honoured film star Bruce Willis, making him an officer in the Order of Arts and Letters, one of the country's top awards for cultural achievement.

"France pays homage to an actor who represents the force of American cinema and the power of emotions that he invites us to share on screens throughout the world," Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres said as he presented the award to Willis in Paris.

Willis, 50, thanked both France and the minister for what he called a "great, great honour".

The actor, who does not speak French, read from a script during his brief speech: "I'm nervous. Bonjour Paris. I am extremely touched by this medal...We all belong to the same artistic community," he said, and concluding by saying: "Vive la France!".

The award is conferred on those who have particularly distinguished themselves in an artistic or literary field.